Nothing to See Here
Written by Kevin Wilson
Narrated by Marin Ireland
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
2020 Audie Winner – Best Female Narrator
An Earphone Award Winner
Audiobook performed by Marin Ireland
A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!
“I can’t believe how good this book is.... It’s wholly original. It’s also perfect.... Wilson writes with such a light touch.... The brilliance of the novel [is] that it distracts you with these weirdo characters and mesmerizing and funny sentences and then hits you in a way you didn’t see coming. You’re laughing so hard you don’t even realize that you’ve suddenly caught fire.” —Taffy Brodesser-Akner, New York Times Book Review
Kevin Wilson’s best book yet—a poignant and often humorous novel about a woman who finds meaning in her life when she begins caring for two children with remarkable abilities.
Lillian and Madison were unlikely roommates and yet inseparable friends at their elite boarding school. But then Lillian had to leave the school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal and they’ve barely spoken since. Until now, when Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help.
Madison’s twin stepkids are moving in with her family and she wants Lillian to be their caretaker. However, there’s a catch: the twins catch fire when they get agitated, flames igniting from their skin in a startling but beautiful way. Lillian is convinced Madison is pulling her leg, but it’s the truth.
Thinking of her dead-end life at home, Lillian figures she has nothing to lose. Over the course of one summer, Lillian and the twins learn to trust each other while also staying out of the way of Madison’s buttoned-up politician husband. Surprised by her own ingenuity yet unused to the intense feelings of protectiveness she feels for them, Lillian ultimately begins to accept that she needs these strange children as much as they need her—urgently and fiercely. Couldn’t this be the start of the amazing life she’d always hoped for?
With sharp humor and genuine warmth, Kevin Wilson has written his best book yet—a most unique story of parental love.
Editor's Note
Catching fire…
Within a few tumultuous years, 10-year-old twins Bessie and Roland endure the dissolution of their family and the sudden death of their mom. But where other kids might deal with these traumas with tears and tantrums, the manifestation of the twins’ angst is a bit unusual: they catch on fire. (They’re fine, but other people, furniture, etc., are not.) As you might expect from the premise, this is an absurd and very funny book. What you might not expect is that it’s often quite heartwarming, as well.
Kevin Wilson
Kevin Wilson is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels, including Now Is Not the Time to Panic, Nothing to See Here, and The Family Fang, as well as two story collections. His work has received the Shirley Jackson Award and been selected as a Read with Jenna book club pick. He lives in Sewanee, Tennessee, with his wife and two sons.
More audiobooks from Kevin Wilson
Perfect Little World: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Run for the Hills: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Baby, You're Gonna Be Mine: Stories Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Tunneling to the Center of the Earth: Stories Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bird's Nest Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Gospel Singer Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Now Is Not the Time to Panic: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Way of Chai: Recipes for a Meaningful Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBlood and Fears: How America's Bomber Boys of the 8th Air Force Saved World War II Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
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Reviews for Nothing to See Here
4,616 ratings320 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be an enjoyable and engaging journey. The story is funny, endearing, and heartwarming, with good character development and a unique concept. The narrator's performance is highly praised, bringing the dialogue and situations to life. While some reviewers found the neediness of the main character annoying, it was seen as realistic. The book is described as entertaining, humorous, and touching, with a nice balance between lightness and depth. Overall, readers recommend this book for its originality and recommend it to others.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
If you liked The House On The Cerulean Sea, this is a must listen. I am so sad that I finished the book. It’s fantastic.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Sep 9, 2023
I absolutely love this book!If you need a good laugh or a good cry this is for you.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
This book was hilarious heart felt and a nice book to laugh and relax1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
Exceptional narration. Clever and unique story idea. Lovable characters. Humor throughout. Highly recommend.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
An easy and fast read, filled with humor and lots of heart!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Sep 9, 2023
This is a wonderfully written book. Just not my cup of tea1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
Easy read, feel good story, and a good lesson about our imperfect world. Never to expect perfection because it does not exist, and you have to live and learn, and do the best you can.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
Loved this book! The narrator did an amazing job with the different characters.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
Memorable characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this recording. This may be one of those rare cases where the recorded version is better than the written version… this due to the wonderful talent that did the reading. The author asks the relatable protagonist who feels wholly unprepared, to face up to the realization that unalloyed love is the exception rather than the rule... and the messier love is love nonetheless.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
Well, as a fire child myself, I loved it. Except I dont have rich parents and it gets expensive to set stuff on fire.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
Great book was recommended by my Barre3 group and could not get enough of this book!!!!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5
Sep 9, 2023
Disappointed. Narrator was flat and tone was cynical and unfunny. Had heard great things but obviously not my cup o' Joe!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
This book was exactly what I needed. Laugh out loud funny, yet addressing some serious topics. The narrator did an amazing job.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 9, 2023
Beautiful story with perfectly imperfect characters. It doesn't take long to get pulled into the dysfunctional lives of Lillian and Madison. I didn't want to put it down. Very pleased with how there was some closure in the end, with a nod to the fact that it continues.
The audio narrator is perfect in her representations of the characters.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Sep 9, 2023
Unique story. I enjoyed it but I’m not sure it’s a title I would highly recommend to people as a must read title.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jul 29, 2025
A VERY unusual, captivating story with vulnerable characters whom you'll grow to love. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Jun 3, 2025
Not a prude by any means but would have been 5 stars without the MANY F’u bombs. I’m sad there isn’t a 2nd one.
But if the F word bothers you then it’s not for you - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Mar 13, 2025
I had no idea what to expect when I started to listen to this book. I ended up adoring it. It is adorable. I highly recomend it. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Dec 3, 2024
Is it too much of a dad joke to call it heartwarming?
Genuinely loveable children characters, which I feel like some authors just aren't capable of writing. If you're going to read this, I so highly suggest the audiobook. Marin Ireland had such good voice for everyone, and as someone who doesn't really like to listen to audiobooks at less than 2x speed, i was happy to let this one roll along at 1x. - Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5
Nov 30, 2024
I couldn’t even get through chapter 2 of this book. The writing was like hearing a story from an f-bombimg lesbian Eyore. No warning. Laconic and boring. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Oct 26, 2024
The ending. What a “different” story!! Kind of science fiction but not really. Both alarming and endearing! Cleverly written. A “need to keep reading” story. Will read more by this author! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Oct 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend...looking forward to this authors other books. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 11, 2024
This story feels out of nowhere in the best way! It’s quirky but made believable enough to not feel completely out of this world. You can relate to the MC even without having fire children. This is a beautiful story of growth and acceptance. It couldn’t have been made better. I was in love, from start to finish! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Sep 5, 2024
Excellent audiobook. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration of this story. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Aug 8, 2024
Narrator was excellent and the story was imaginative and interesting to think through - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Aug 7, 2024
This book was wholesome, predictable, odd, and a little all over the place. However it does keep your attention. I would read it again or recommend it, unless you’re into weird books. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
May 13, 2024
Well, written really cool little story ….voice actor was absolutely fantastic. I really enjoyed listening to this one. I’ll have to see what else he has written. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Apr 29, 2024
3.5, I expected it to have more twists and turns but it's literally just a simple, straightforward story about a young woman who takes care of 2 twins who can combust. The ending is quite satisfying though. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Apr 14, 2024
Again and again women are paired together in a friendship where one gives and one takes, but in agreeing to look after children who have a tendency to explode into flames in order to help her best friend continue to live in a crystal palace, Lillian finally receives something from the friend she’d sacrificed so much for… love. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Mar 29, 2024
This was a great story and Marin Ireland had a lovely performance.
